From The Principal

Reports are currently being finalised and will be available with IEPs on Compass from Friday 26 June. Due to AEU industrial action this semester, some reports may look a little different or contain less detail than in previous semesters. SSG meetings are already under way, providing an opportunity to discuss goals, growth and next steps together.

As we move into the colder months, we’d like to thank families for continuing to work with us to help keep our school community as healthy as possible.

At this time of year, it’s common to see an increase in colds, flu and other illnesses. In a school setting, illness can spread quickly and can have a bigger impact on some of our students and staff who may be more vulnerable.

We know it’s not always easy when children are unwell and routines are disrupted, and we really appreciate the care families take in monitoring symptoms and making cautious decisions about school attendance.

Please remember there are Department of Health exclusion requirements for some illnesses, including minimum periods away from school. If you’re ever unsure whether your child should attend, please contact us — we’re always happy to help.

Thank you for continuing to work in partnership with us to keep our school community

safe, supported and well.

Please make sure your child has a set of spare clothes at school. These don’t need to be school uniform — just something comfortable that fits and suits the weather. Having spare clothes on hand means we can quickly support students if needed during the school day.

If your child comes home in school spare clothes, we’d really appreciate them being washed and sent back when you can so we can keep our supply available for everyone.

Thanks for your help with this!

Congratulations to our teacher Lia Van Arkadie on securing $1,800 through the Bank First Teaching Initiatives Program to support the Precious Plastics project. Many families will

already know that our senior students have been collecting and recycling plastic lids into useful items such as pens and keychains (available to purchase from Admin). While a lot of lids can be reused, some can’t be recycled and would otherwise end up in landfill. This funding gives us a chance to do something really special with them instead. Students will be involved in designing and creating permanent bird-themed mosaic murals for our new relocatable buildings, using Wadawurrung language and bird names. It’s a great example of students combining creativity, sustainability and connection to culture to leave something lasting for our school community — and we’re excited to see it take shape.

We sadly farewelled two staff members last week. Our physiotherapist, Abhi, has been offered an exciting opportunity to work in the RCH Gait Clinic. While we’ll miss her expertise and support around the school, we’re excited for her and know she’ll gain valuable experience in the role.  Next term we welcome Amy Mackay, who will be stepping into the role.

We also said goodbye to ES staff member Paris and thank her for her contribution to our school and support of our students during her time with us. We’re also excited to welcome back Phoebe Graham Bowd from family leave next term, who will be joining the Senior Learning Community.

As we head towards the end of Term 2, we’ve noticed that many of our students are starting to feel tired — which is pretty normal after a big semester. There have been lots of learning, new routines, and plenty happening across the school. At this time of term, our focus shifts a little to making sure students can stay regulated, engaged and finish the term feeling successful. Sometimes this means building in more movement and regulation breaks, reducing demands where needed, being flexible with routines or placing a little more focus on wellbeing, connection and enjoyment. We wish all of our families a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for more exciting learning in Term 3.